I though it wasn't the best move. I understand putting runners on first and third with 1 out to get the dp but loading them seemed like it wasn't the best move unless you were hoping for a throw home.

The best option I think would have been to get a guy in the bullpen because John's pitch count was up and he wasn't throwing strikes that inning, pitch to Naquin with a guy on 1st because he had hitting ground balls all night, one for a dp I believe. If you walk him, oh well, it's bases loaded and you go to the bullpen.

Thoughts?

I think they wanted the option to get a force out at home in case the ball was not hit sharply enough to turn the DP.

I thought they were going to pull the pitcher after having him throw six straight pitch outs.

[This message has been edited by jkag89 (edited 2/24/2012 11:40p).]

Tough spot to be in, facing an almost .400 hitter with a .500 hitter on deck. Not a BAD move. It just so happens that it didn't work out for them. Had Juengel struck out or hit a ground ball, it would have been a genius move.

Naquin had nothing but ground balls yesterday, but I understand their logic. That kid pitched a helluva game though

very impressed with the HC pitching last night.

i didn't like loading the bases either. even though it was a play at any base, the DP would be hard to turn, and they had already botched a play at home earlier in the game.

The 2nd pitcher, John, really impressed me. I feel like he was way better than the starter. Kinda sad he got the loss

HC was also well aware of the Ags' penchant for squeeze bunting. Loading the bases makes the play at home a force out as opposed to a tag out. Had to put Naquin on base.

If any other hitter in the lineup had been up next, then might consider just walking Reynolds to setup the double play

quote:

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pitch to Naquin with a guy on 1st because he had hitting ground balls all night

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Never give the other teams's best player a chance to beat you. Once they decided to walk Reynolds, they had no choice but to walk Naquin.

I agree with W. We had already layed down a couple bunts with runners on 3rd and we had been running all night. If Reynolds takes 2nd on a steal they have to walk Naquin anyway. It's always tough to intentionally load up the bases, but other than the lefty pick off, they hadn't trown out a runner trying to steal the whole game.